The Flin Flon Bombers came within one minute of a weekend sweep of the Humboldt Broncos, losing 2-1.
Dawson McKenzie kicked off the scoring early, rifling a quick shot past Broncos goalie Rayce Ramsay. Late in the first, Humboldt responded, courtesy of Brayden Camrud scoring an unassisted goal.
The second period saw Humboldt take over offensive momentum, but Bomber goalie Pierce Diamond stood tall, making 20 saves in 20 minutes.
In the third, the Bombers pushed play forward into Humboldt's zone, outshooting them 12-5. However, it was the Broncos who would find the net, with Drew Warkentine beating Diamond with 1:05 remaining to give the Broncos the lead. The Bombers pushed for one final time, putting Diamond on the bench for an extra attacker, but it ultimately wasn't enough.
Ramsay made 36 saves in the win, while Diamond ended his night with 30 stops.
Saturday's loss pushes the Bombers further down the Sherwood Division standings. Flin Flon sits third out of four teams with 38 points, well ahead of cellar dwellers La Ronge but behind both Nipawin (45 points) and Melfort (43 points).
Humboldt's win also pushes them back into a tie for the SJHL lead with Nipawin. The Broncos and Hawks are tied with 45 points, though Nipawin has played three fewer games.
The game was Flin Flon's last home game before the holiday break. The team will embark on a three game road trip next weekend before players head home for the holiday season, starting with a Dec. 14 game in La Ronge and two games against Kindersley on Dec. 15 and 16.
The Bombers will return to the Whitney Forum on New Year's Day, facing La Ronge in the second game in a home-and-home series.
